Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Looking for a flavorful and crispy chicken dish that the whole family will love? Try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, these chicken tenders are seasoned to perfection and baked until golden brown. Follow this easy recipe to create a delicious meal in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Season the Chicken Tenders: Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.

3. Dredge the Chicken: Dredge each tender in flour, then dip in beaten eggs.

4. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley.

5. Coat the Chicken: Coat each tender in the breadcrumb mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Add Butter: Drizzle melted butter over the coated tenders.

7. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Hot: These chicken tenders are best enjoyed hot and crispy right out of the oven.
2. Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli to complement the flavors.
3. Side Dishes: Pair the tenders with side dishes like a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
5. Appetizer Option: For a party or gathering, serve these tenders as an appetizer with toothpicks and small bowls of different dipping sauces.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers, let the chicken tenders cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
3. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
4. Reheating from Frozen: To reheat frozen chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders fresh or reheated with these helpful serving and storage tips!

Variations :

Enhance your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with these flavorful variations:

1. Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders:

• Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme or basil) to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve with a side of lemon wedges for a zesty twist.

2. Buffalo Chicken Tenders:

• Mix 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce into the melted butter before drizzling over the coated tenders.
• Serve with blue cheese dressing or ranch for dipping.

3. Mediterranean Chicken Tenders:

• Substitute Parmesan with feta cheese and add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve with tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping.

4. BBQ Bacon Chicken Tenders:

• Mix 1/2 cup of crispy bacon bits into the breadcrumb mixture.
• Drizzle with BBQ sauce before serving and garnish with chopped green onions.

5. Pesto Parmesan Chicken Tenders:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce into the melted butter before drizzling over the coated tenders.
• Serve with marinara sauce or additional pesto for dipping.

6. Cajun Spiced Chicken Tenders:

• Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve with a spicy mayo or remoulade sauce for dipping.

7. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard into the beaten eggs before dipping the chicken tenders.
• Serve with extra honey mustard sauce on the side.

8. Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Tenders:

• Mix 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped pickled jalapeños into the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.

9. Asian-Inspired Chicken Tenders:

• Substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed Asian-style rice crackers.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil into the melted butter before drizzling over the coated tenders.
• Serve with sweet chili sauce or teriyaki sauce for dipping.

10. Italian Caprese Chicken Tenders:

• Top each chicken tender with a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese and a slice of tomato before baking.
• Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil after baking and serve with a balsamic glaze for dipping.

Tips for Customizing Your Chicken Tenders:

• Adjust Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Try Different Cheeses: Substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like Asiago or Romano for a different flavor profile.
• Explore Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of sauces to complement each variation, enhancing the overall experience.

Enjoy exploring these delicious variations to elevate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders into something new and exciting!

FAQs :

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders? Yes, you can use chicken breast cut into strips. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.

2. How can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

3. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying them? Yes, this recipe is baked in the oven for a healthier option. Baking results in crispy chicken tenders without the need for frying.

4. How do I prevent the breadcrumb coating from falling off during baking? Ensure the chicken tenders are thoroughly coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to help them adhere.

5. Can I prepare these chicken tenders ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders up to the point of coating them in the breadcrumb mixture. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

6. Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs? Yes, you can use seasoned breadcrumbs. Adjust the amount of additional seasoning accordingly to balance flavors.

7. How do I know when the chicken tenders are cooked through? Chicken tenders are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when pierced with a fork, and the juices run clear.

8. What can I serve with these garlic Parmesan chicken tenders? They pair well with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, or pasta for a complete meal.

9. Can I freeze these chicken tenders? Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken tenders. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven for best results.

10. How do I reheat leftover chicken tenders? To maintain their crispy texture, reheat leftover chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are sure to be a hit with their crispy coating and savory flavor. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!